There are relevant global examples from Africa, Europe, and Asia of countries whose leaders faced early resistance for tough reforms, yet reaped long-term benefits due to strategic governance, public patience, and political consolidation.
This proves that Tinubu’s model is not unprecedented — and often delivers lasting change when allowed to mature.
Patience Yields Progress
President Tinubu’s current strategy — combining political consolidation with long-term structural reform — is not unique to Nigeria. Many successful nations have walked this difficult path, with their leaders initially criticized for bold decisions that later transformed their economies and societies:
1. Ghana – Jerry Rawlings (Africa)
In the early 1980s, Ghana was crippled by hyperinflation, food shortages, and currency collapse. Then-leader Jerry Rawlings, after taking power, introduced painful IMF-backed structural adjustment reforms. Prices rose sharply. Public discontent swelled. But Rawlings remained consistent, restructured the economy, and invested in rural development. By the mid-1990s, Ghana had stabilized and became a model for macroeconomic discipline in West Africa.
2. Rwanda – Paul Kagame (Africa)
Post-genocide Rwanda was a shattered state in 1994. President Paul Kagame enforced strict anti-corruption measures, centralized power initially to rebuild state institutions, and invested heavily in technology, health, and education. Many criticized his tight political control. But today, Rwanda boasts one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, highest life expectancies, and cleanest cities.
3. India – Narenda Modi (Asia)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, elected in 2014, introduced sweeping reforms: removal of fuel subsidies, a demonetization policy to tackle black money, and digital financial inclusion schemes. These sparked massive public inconvenience and protests. Yet, India’s middle class expanded, corruption tracking improved, and foreign direct investment surged. Today, India is among the world’s top five economies.
4. United Kingdom – Margaret Thatcher (Europe)
When Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister in 1979, Britain was in economic decline — plagued by inflation, labor unrest, and inefficiency. Her administration removed subsidies, privatized state industries, deregulated the economy, and clashed with trade unions. The reforms were painful. Yet, by the late 1980s, Britain’s economy had rebounded, and her model was copied across Europe.
5. Indonesia – Joko Widodo (Asia)
President Jokowi, elected in 2014, was faced with weak infrastructure and corruption. He reduced subsidies, overhauled tax systems, and prioritized long-term development like roads, rail, and ports. Though criticized early on, Indonesia’s infrastructure growth and investor confidence today are seen as regional success stories.
Conclusion: The Global Pattern – And Nigeria’s Moment
These examples show a global truth: transformation requires sacrifice. Leaders who make unpopular but necessary decisions often face backlash before public rewards are realized.
Tinubu is now charting that same course — enforcing economic realism, building institutional resilience, and investing in long-term national strength.
“Nigeria is being repaired, not repainted,” a senior policy adviser said. “It’s messy now — but necessary.”
The harvest will come, but it demands steadfastness, patience, and understanding from citizens.
History favors leaders who act with courage — and nations that wait with wisdom.
Dr. G. A. Fraser.
The National Patriots.
